Resistance Training Prescription Focusing on Joint Angle and Muscle Contraction Type

Abstract

Resistance training prescriptions in time-limited clinical settings must produce increases in muscle strength and muscle hypertrophy efficiently. Therefore, we investigated the effects of different joint angles and muscle contraction types on muscle strength and muscle hypertrophy in resistance training. Our results showed that resistance training in the joint angle in muscle elongating position, compared to the joint angle with muscle shortening position, significantly increased maximal muscle strength and thickness of elbow flexors. Furthermore, it was possible to show that resistance training using eccentric contractions may be more effective in increasing muscle strength and muscle hypertrophy than training using other muscle contraction types. These results suggested that incorporating joint angle with muscle-stretching and eccentric contractions in resistance training prescriptions may increase muscle strength and hypertrophy effects.